About Gemtrees

Handmade in New Zealand since 1981

Gemtrees began in 1981, when I was just 16 years old, making gemstone trees in my parents’ garage.

The idea came from my father, who had seen gemstone trees overseas and thought we could make them in New Zealand and Spain. His first attempt looked rather like a television aerial! My mother then helped reshape the wire, using a wooden spoon to create the curves, and together we created the first Gemtree.

I took those first trees to a local market with my mother, and they sold out. From there, something that began as a teenage project became a lifelong passion.

Not long after, I found myself selling Gemtrees in the Queenstown Mall. I was still a teenager, and Queenstown became part of the Gemtrees story right from the beginning. I loved collecting natural stones from the rivers and lakes around the area and turning them into something completely different.

Over the years, Gemtrees travelled with me beyond New Zealand. They were made and sold in Spain, Australia and other places, and eventually found their way into homes around the world.

45 years later…

I have returned to Queenstown.

After many years away, coming back to the place where I first sold Gemtrees as a teenager feels wonderfully right. Today, Gemtrees are handmade here in Queenstown, surrounded by the mountains, rivers and incredible natural beauty of the South Island.

The natural stones used for our bases are collected from the rivers and landscapes of Queenstown and the South Island. Each stone is different, giving every Gemtree its own character.

Beautiful gemstones are then carefully selected and handcrafted into each tree. From birthstones and meaningful gemstones to Family GemTrees, every piece is unique.

Made to be treasured

A Gemtree may look delicate and intricate, but it is surprisingly strong and flexible. The branches fold down easily, making each tree simple to transport, take home or send anywhere in the world.

For more than 45 years, Gemtrees have travelled from New Zealand to homes around the globe.

What began in a garage in 1981 has become a little piece of New Zealand that can be treasured wherever you are.

Gemtrees — handmade in New Zealand since 1981.

Citrine and Aventurine large Gemtree, set on a really cool rock from Queenstown, N.Z.